Giving Compliments Men Love to Hear

As a relationship coach with over 15 years of experience counseling couples, I’ve learned that compliments are one of the keys to a happy and healthy relationship. Men may not always admit it, but they love to receive compliments just as much as women do. The right compliment at the right time can make your man feel seen, appreciated, and adored.

However, as women we often struggle with how to genuinely compliment our boyfriends or husbands. We don’t want the compliment to feel forced or disingenuous. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share my best tips and over 100 examples of amazing compliments that are sure to make your man smile.

Why Complimenting Your Man is So Important

As a counselor for couples, I’ve seen firsthand how a lack of compliments can negatively impact a relationship. When one partner feels unseen or underappreciated, resentment builds up over time. That’s why I always advise my clients to get into the habit of complimenting their significant other on a regular basis.

Complimenting your man:

Boosts his confidence and self-esteem
Makes him feel valued and respected
Strengthens the emotional bond between you
Puts a smile on his face and brings you closer together
Shows that you notice the effort he puts into the relationship

Even the manliest of men appreciates sincere praise from his partner. So make it a point to tell your guy all the things you admire and appreciate about him. Doing so not only benefits your relationship, but also your own happiness. Science has proven that giving praise actually triggers the reward centers in our own brains!

How to Give Compliments He’ll Appreciate

When it comes to compliments, it’s not just what you say, but how you say it that matters. Here are my top tips for giving memorable compliments your man will cherish:

Be specific. Generic praise like “You’re so awesome” or “You look nice” comes across as meaningless. Pick out something particular you admire or appreciate and mention those unique details.

Compliment his character. While it’s nice to compliment appearance and skills, he’ll be most touched when you praise his personality, heart, or values.

Reference private moments. Remind him of meaningful moments or inside jokes you share just between the two of you. This shows him you were genuinely touched.

Describe how he makes you feel. Let him know the emotional impact he has on you when he says or does certain things.

Get the timing right. The best time to compliment him is face-to-face, not in front of crowds or when he’s distracted.

Vary your delivery. Mix up heartfelt compliments with playful or funny ones to keep things interesting.

Give compliments freely. Don’t just compliment him when you want something in return. The most meaningful praise is given freely and genuinely.

100+ Compliments Men Love to Hear

Now that you know how to give effective compliments, here are over 100 examples of wonderful compliments to make your man smile and feel appreciated. I’ve organized them into categories so you can easily find the perfect compliment for any situation.

Compliments on His Appearance

Men appreciate when you compliment their appearance just as much as women. But make sure to be specific about what you find attractive to make it more meaningful.

You have the most gorgeous eyes I’ve ever seen. I get lost in them every time.
I love the way your arms hold me when we cuddle. I always feel so safe.
That t-shirt looks amazing on you. It really shows off your muscles!
Your smile lights up any room. It completely melts my heart.
You’re so photogenic! I’d love to have a photo shoot together.
I can’t stop staring at how perfect your beard is right now. Please don’t ever shave it!
You smell incredible. What cologne are you wearing today?
I love running my hands through your hair. It’s so thick and touchable!

Compliments on His Personality

Focus on praising your man’s inner qualities like his humor, integrity, courage and values. These compliments mean more than superficial praise.

You always know how to make me laugh, even when I’m in a bad mood. It’s one of my favorite things about you.
I love how big your heart is. You’re always going out of your way to help others.
You’re the most loyal and trustworthy man I know. I never doubt your commitment to me.
I admire your work ethic so much. You never procrastinate or leave things unfinished.
You’re so brave for chasing your dreams. I know it’s not always easy but you persevered.
I wish everyone could experience your optimism. You always see the silver lining.
Your passion for life is contagious. I feel energized just being around you.

Compliments for Him to Send Over Text

Text messages are a great way to deliver compliments to show you’re thinking about him when you’re apart. Here are some sweet examples:

I’m smiling right now just thinking about you 🙂
You looked so hot in that outfit today. I couldn’t stop staring!
That selfie you posted is amazing! You should be a model.
Miss your handsome face like crazy. Can’t wait to see you again.
Just wanted to send you a quick note to say I admire you so much.
Your determination inspires me every day to work towards my dreams.

Playful, Funny Compliments for Him

Don’t be afraid to keep things light-hearted! Funny compliments will make him laugh and feel good.

On a scale from 1 to 10, you’re an 11!
We’re like two peas in a pod…if one of the peas were incredibly handsome.
I’m not a hoarder, but I really want to keep you forever!
You’re like my phone, I can never put you down.
I would have no problem repopulating the earth with you.
You’re as sweet as chocolate, but way less fattening!
Sorry I didn’t hear you, I was lost in those dreamy eyes.

Romantic Compliments for Your Boyfriend or Husband

Make your man feel like the most cherished guy on the planet with these loving romantic compliments:

I fall deeper in love with you every single day. You make my heart flutter.
Our relationship is my most prized possession. I would choose you over and over again.
Every time we kiss it feels like magic. My heart races and time stops.
I can’t believe I get to call the most caring, brilliant man in the world my boyfriend/husband. I’m so lucky!
You make me feel like the most beautiful woman alive. Thank you for always making me feel special.
I love that I can be 100% vulnerable around you. You make me feel so emotionally safe.

Compliments on His Talents and Abilities

Make note of his natural talents and abilities that you admire. This could relate to work, hobbies, creative skills, athletics, intelligence and more.

You’re so artistic! I could stare at your paintings/photography for hours.
Watching you play guitar is mesmerizing. You make it look so effortless.
I admire your intelligence so much. You always know interesting facts about everything!
It amazes me how you can repair anything that breaks. You’re so handy!
Seeing how compassionate you are with our kids makes me incredibly proud. You’re a wonderful father.
You have an incredible singing voice. Promise me you’ll sing more often!
I’m so impressed by your ability to cook 5-star meals. Will you teach me your secrets?
You make home improvement projects look so easy. I love watching you work.

Words of Affirmation to Make Him Feel Loved

Use these compliments to remind your man how much he means to you.

I feel so grateful to have you in my life every single day.
Just being around you gives me energy and motivation to be the best version of myself.
You are constantly surprising me with your warmth, humor and huge heart. I appreciate you.
I’ve never met someone as dependable and trustworthy as you. It means everything to me.
Thank you for always listening to me fully and lovingly. I feel so heard.
I love waking up next to you every morning. You make me excited for each new day ahead.
You have made me feel loved every single day since we met. Thank you for your kindness.
I am astounded by your thoughtfulness. You are always doing little things to make my life easier.

When Should You Compliment Him?

Now that you have tons of examples to choose from, you may be wondering about the best times and situations to compliment your special guy.

During intimate moments – Tell him how attractive he is or how loved he makes you feel when you are being physically intimate. This will make your moments together even more emotionally intense.

In the morning – A sweet compliment first thing in the morning will start his day off happy and give him a boost of confidence.

Before he goes out – If he’s headed to an important work event or going on a guys night out, compliment his outfit, cologne or looks to build up his self-assurance.

After he achieves something – Did he just get a promotion at work or finish an important project? Congratulate his efforts with sincere praise.

On special occasions – Holidays, anniversaries, and birthdays are perfect opportunities to shower him with compliments about why you love him so much.

Via text/phone calls – Surprise him throughout the day with random compliments over text, email or phone calls.

When you’re proud of him – If he demonstrates courage, integrity or commitment to his values, let him know you respect him for it.

After arguments – Once you’ve resolved a disagreement, re-connect with a genuine compliment so he feels appreciated.

Make Complimenting Him a Habit

Developing the habit of complimenting your man on a regular basis, not just when you want something, is key to a lasting relationship. I suggest starting with 1 thoughtful compliment per day. Set a reminder on your phone if needed!

The more you praise him, the more comfortable expressing admiration will feel. And the happiest couples I’ve worked with as a counselor all have one thing in common: they speak each other’s love languages fluently. Let compliments be your love language shortcut to a deeper bond and lasting relationship happiness.

So try out some of these 100+ compliments I’ve suggested. Experiment to see which make him smile widest or elicit the best reactions. Soon you’ll know his favorites by heart. By consistently showering your man with genuine compliments, he will truly feel cherished.